Changes in the Tagus nursery function for commercial fish species: some perspectives for management

The Tagus estuary has long been subjected to several human activities and uses. Changes in the estuarine fish community were evaluated based on beam trawl surveys in 1978–1980 and 1994–1996. There was a decrease of abundance of many species that use the Tagus as a nursery, namely bib (Trisopterus luscus), five bearded rockling (Ciliata mustela), tub gurnard (Trigla lucerna), and flounder (Platichthys flesus), possibly due to reduction of the water quality. In 1994–1996, only sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), sole (Solea solea) and Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858, were found within the nursery grounds, showing an irregular pattern of abundance. Condition and vacuity index were highly variable. The major problems affecting the fish community, namely pollution, fishery regulation and waterflow regulation, are discussed in relation to the management and conservation of this estuarine system.